Relationship between the secondary metabolites of Genista aspalathoides and in vitro production of methane in goats

Abstract

Enteric fermentation is a source of greenhouse gas emissions. This research focused on the valorization of a shrubby species Genista aspalathoides from the North-West of Tunisia (Tabarka), by the determination of secondary metabolites (total phenolics, total flavonoids and condensed tannins), as well as the evaluation of the in vitro methanogenesis in goats. Phytochemical screening was determined by in vitro methods. The crude fiber content, which limits their digestibility, was low (5.79%). The crude protein content was 1.88 g/kg DM. Genista aspalathoides was rich in phenolic compounds, particularly condensed tannins (11.3 mg EC/g DM) which inhibited methane production. The high results of in vitro fermentation parameters (digestibility of organic matter, metabolizable energy and total fatty acids) show the efficiency of goats in ingesting dietary fibre.

Keywords: Enteric fermentation, Genista aspalathoide, North-West Tunisia, methane production, secondary metabolites, goats